Periyar Elephant Reserve

Periyar Elephant Reserve is one of India’s largest and most ecologically important elephant conservation landscapes. Located in the southern Western Ghats of Kerala, the reserve encompasses the renowned Periyar Tiger Reserve along with Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries, creating an extensive network of protected forests for the Asian Elephant. The reserve forms an important part of the Western Ghats Global Biodiversity Hotspot and shares ecological connectivity with the Anamudi Elephant Reserve in Kerala and the Periyar–Srivilliputhur Elephant Reserve in Tamil Nadu.

Location

The reserve extends across Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala. It occupies the southern Western Ghats and includes several major protected areas connected through reserve forests.

Brief History

Periyar Elephant Reserve was officially notified on 2 April 2002 under Project Elephant by the Government of Kerala. The reserve was created to conserve elephant habitat across southern Kerala while protecting major wildlife corridors of the southern Western Ghats.

Description

• State: Kerala
• Notification Date: 2 April 2002
• Total Area: 3,742 sq km
• Biogeographic Zone: Western Ghats
• Elevation: 11–2,005 metres above mean sea level

Protected Areas & Forest Divisions

• Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ranni Forest Division
• Konni Forest Division
• Achencoil Forest Division
• Thiruvananthapuram Forest Division

Landscape & Forest Types

The reserve comprises one of the finest forest mosaics in southern India. Major forest types include tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, Myristica swamps, montane shola forests, grasslands and bamboo brakes. These habitats support exceptional biodiversity and provide perennial water through numerous rivers and reservoirs.

Flora

Important tree species include Rosewood, Teak, Cullenia, Mesua, Hopea, Palaquium, Terminalia, Myristica, Bamboo, Canes and a rich diversity of orchids, ferns and medicinal plants.

Fauna

• Asian Elephant
• Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Dhole (Wild Dog)
• Gaur
• Sambar
• Barking Deer
• Nilgiri Langur
• Lion-tailed Macaque (selected areas)
• Nilgiri Marten
• Malabar Giant Squirrel
• Great Hornbill
• Malabar Grey Hornbill
• More than 320 bird species

Elephant Conservation

Periyar Elephant Reserve supports one of the largest elephant populations in southern India. Its extensive forest connectivity with neighbouring elephant reserves allows seasonal movement of elephants across the Western Ghats, maintaining healthy genetic exchange and landscape-level conservation.

Weather

• Summer: 20–34°C
• Winter: 15–25°C
• Average Annual Rainfall: 2,000–3,500 mm

Best Time to Visit

October to March offers pleasant weather and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airports: Madurai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram
• Nearest Railway Stations: Kottayam, Chengannur and Theni
• By Road: Well connected through Thekkady, Kumily, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram.

Where to Stay

• Kerala Forest Department Forest Rest Houses (subject to prior booking)
• Government-operated accommodation within Periyar Tiger Reserve and adjoining eco-tourism centres

Nearby Attractions

• Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Periyar Lake
• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gavi Eco-tourism Centre

Did You Know?

Periyar Elephant Reserve is Kerala’s largest Elephant Reserve, covering 3,742 sq km. It links four major protected areas and multiple forest divisions, making it one of the most extensive elephant conservation landscapes in the Western Ghats.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Periyar Elephant Reserve in India]

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Last Updated: August 2026